Smoking weed had always been a social activity for Julian. He first tried cannabis in high school, and as an adult he would smoke a couple of times a week with friends. But over time, he began to realize that he was relying on weed to relax and socialize. Eventually, he found himself smoking alone more often than not, and he started to experience anxiety and irritability when he didn't have access to the drug. It was then that Julian understood the truth about cannabis addiction.
Stoner culture has perpetuated the idea that cannabis isn't truly addictive. Not so fast, psychologists say. While it's true that cannabis addiction is less severe than addiction to drugs like cocaine or heroin, it's still a very real problem for many people. In fact, studies show that about 9% of people who use cannabis will become addicted to it.
In high school, if you had mentioned psychosis and weed in the same sentence, I would have laughed you off. However, this is the reality of cannabis use for some individuals. Studies have shown that regular cannabis use can increase the risk of developing psychosis and other mental health problems. While this risk is relatively low, it's still a concern that shouldn't be ignored.
There's a common perception that cannabis is safer and less addictive than alcohol, but what does the science say? While alcohol is certainly more damaging to the body in the long term, cannabis can still cause a range of physical and mental health problems. Additionally, cannabis addiction can be just as difficult to overcome as alcohol addiction.
In recent years, marijuana has been legalized and touted for its medicinal purposes. But how do you know when use becomes abuse? If you find yourself using cannabis to cope with stress or to avoid dealing with your problems, it's a sign that your use may be becoming problematic. It's important to talk to a healthcare professional if you're concerned about your cannabis use.
Although some believe weed's not addictive, studies highlight certain marijuana withdrawal symptoms that can increase the likelihood of relapse. These symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and loss of appetite. While these symptoms are not life-threatening, they can make it difficult to quit using cannabis.
With THC levels close to 100 percent, today's cannabis products are making some teenagers highly dependent and dangerously ill. While most cannabis products contain much lower levels of THC, there are some that are extremely potent. This can lead to increased likelihood of addiction and other negative health effects.
Higher concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC – the part of the marijuana plant that makes you high – are causing more people to seek treatment for cannabis addiction. In some cases, people are using cannabis products that contain up to 80% THC. This is much higher than the levels found in traditional cannabis products, and can lead to a range of negative side effects.
More and more Americans are reporting near-constant cannabis use, as legalization forges ahead. While legalization has certainly made it easier for people to access cannabis, it's important to remember that it's still a drug with the potential for addiction. If you're concerned about your cannabis use, it's important to talk to a healthcare professional for guidance and support.
